Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Vladimir Kolokoltsev

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Saudi Arabia concerning the reported visit by the Russian interior minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev to Jeddah on 23 May, in the light of existing sanctions against him by the UK, Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan, New Zealand and the US.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have not had any discussions with the Government of Saudi Arabia over the visit of the Russian Interior Minister to Jeddah on 23 May.

Nagorno Karabakh: Peace Negotiations

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made ofthe current status of peace talks between the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, since the opening of an Azerbaijani checkpoint on Hakari Bridge in the Lachin Corridor in April.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Shortly after the checkpoint was established in April, the UK Government said at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe that this could run counter to ongoing efforts to establish peace and security in the region, which have shown promise in recent weeks. The UK Government welcomes the continued participation of Armenia and Azerbaijan in negotiations to work towards settling all outstanding matters between them, and we urge them to continue to build on this momentum towards a settlement. The Minister for Europe Leo Docherty MP underlined our support for negotiations during his visit to Azerbaijan in February, and with Prime Minister Pashinyan on his visit to Armenia in May.

Ukraine: Humanitarian Aid

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of the humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, given that assistance by the Red Cross is limited in those regions.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UN estimates that 17.6 million people need humanitarian assistance inside Ukraine. Needs are most severe for those living in territories currently under Russian control, where approximately 4 million people are in acute need of humanitarian protection and assistance. Humanitarian organisations need security assurances from Russia to operate in frontline areas. The UK routinely calls for full compliance with International Humanitarian Law, including access for neutral impartial humanitarian organisations to provide assistance.

India: Religious Freedom

The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of India on the impact on freedom of religion of legislation by states of that country prohibiting religious conversion.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our network in India continue to monitor developments related to religious conversions, including legislation. The UK Government is committed to defending Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all and promoting respect and tolerance between communities. We have a broad and deep partnership with the Government of India, and we discuss all elements of our relationship, including concerns where we have them. These topics were among issues I (Minister for South Asia) discussed with the Government of India, leaders of faith groups and others during my recent visit to India (27-31 May).

Egypt: Copts

Lord Patten: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made ofthe freedom of religion enjoyed by the Copts in Egypt.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is committed to defending Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, and promoting respect between religious and non-religious communities. Promoting FoRB is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities. The Egyptian Government has stated its commitment to protecting the rights of Coptic Christians and freedom of worship as well as the protections for freedom of religion enshrined in the Egyptian constitution. There have been positive steps in recent years, including President Sisi's public commitments to uphold minority rights and freedom of religion. The UK continues to make clear to the Egyptian authorities the importance we attach to these issues. On 5 April, I [Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon] discussed FoRB with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II in Cairo and on 21 April, I met Archbishop Angaelos in London. I will continue to raise these important issues.

North America: Humanitarian Aid

Lord Selkirk of Douglas: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have takenfollowing the fires in North America to offer to give assistance, and in particular drinking water, to Canada.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We have been in contact with the Canadian Foreign Minister and Canadian Government officials, offering UK support and our sympathy, following the devastating wildfires. Canada is a close partner of the UK, and we will continue to work together closely and provide support to one another in times of crisis.

India: Human Rights

The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of India on the importance of pluralism and human rights, including freedom of religion; and what assessment they have made of freedom of religion or belief in India.

The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with leaders from civil society in India on the status and experiences of religious minorities in that country.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The British High Commission in New Delhi regularly assesses human rights across India and engages with civil society and religious representatives. We remain committed to defending Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all and promoting respect and tolerance between communities. The UK Government has a broad and deep partnership with the Government of India, and we discuss all elements of our relationship, including concerns where we have them. These topics were among issues I (Minister for South Asia) discussed with the Government of India, leaders of faith groups and others during my recent visit to India (27-31 May).

Uganda: LGBT+ People

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Uganda following the signing into law by that government prescribing the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality".

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK Government is appalled by the Government of Uganda's decision to sign the anti-homosexuality bill into law on 28 May 2023, in particular the introduction of the death penalty for so-called 'aggravated homosexuality'. In his meetings with the Ugandan Foreign Minister on 4 May 2023 and the Ugandan High Commissioner on 1 June 2023, the Minister of State for Africa and Development [Andrew Mitchell] denounced the Act and the appalling effects it will have on LGBT+ people in Uganda. The Prime Minister has also spoken with the Foreign Minister, as has the Foreign Secretary with the High Commissioner. The British High Commissioner to Uganda has made the UK's position over this regressive legislation clear with a wide range of government of Uganda representatives including President Museveni.

India: Non-governmental Organisations

The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of India’s Financial Contribution Regulation Act on UK non-governmental organisations working in that country.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware that some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have faced difficulties in India due to the use of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by the Government of India. We understand that some NGOs have had applications to renew their foreign funding licenses rejected, and that such actions have a significant impact on their ability to operate in India. We have discussed issues facing NGOs with the Government of India, and we continue to monitor developments relating to the FCRA, especially its impact on the work of British NGOs in India.

Home Office

Visas: Overseas Students

Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Murray of Blidworth on 25 May (HL Deb, col 1063), what plans they have to reform the application process for student visas for British Overseas Territory passport holders.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: While a British Overseas Territory (BOT) passport holder is not automatically a British Citizen, a person who is both a British citizen and British overseas territories citizen will have the right of abode in the UK, and so will not need to apply for a visa to study here. However, they may need to show that they are a British citizen, and so may wish to apply for a British citizen passport or certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. British overseas citizens who are not also British citizens will need to apply for a visa.BOT citizens who are not eligible for British citizenship can apply for a student visa online, which requires biometrics to be provided.Biometric enrolment services for those who hold a BOT passport and who wish to make a UK visa application are available in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, St Helena and, for those in the Sovereign Base areas of Akrotiri or Dhekelia, via Nicosia.It would not be commercially viable to operate a visa application centre or temporary biometrics enrolment service in the remaining BOTs due to the small volume of customers and/or remote locations of these territories. This may mean travelling to a nearby location.As part of our Future Borders and Immigration System programme, we continue to roll out digitisation of all our application processes, which in future will minimise the requirement to attend visa application centres.

Passports: Visual Impairment

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to ensure the accessibility of printed passport renewal forms, with particular regard to the impact of the choice of colour on those with impaired vision.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: His Majesty’s Passport Office provides additional facilities for customers who are blind or have visual impairment to ensure that there are no obstacles to submitting a passport application.The guidance booklet to help with completing the passport application is available in different formats, including braille, audio tape, and large-print format.Applying online is the cheapest way to get a passport, and HM Passport Office provides an accessible service which should provide customers with a range of functional support such as the ability to change colours, text size, and use screen readers.Due to significant technical impacts, it is not currently feasible to change the colour of the paper passport application form. However, blind or visually impaired customers who wish to apply using the paper form and who require additional support can contact the Passport Adviceline. The call agent will complete the form using the information provided by the customer.Further information about the support available for people who are blind or partially sighted can be found on GOV.UK, at: https://www.gov.uk/passport-services-disabled

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus

Lord Mendelsohn: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Markham on 5 April (HL6529), where the National Institute for Health and Care Research rapid study on those that remain vulnerable to poor outcomes from COVID-19 despite vaccination has been published; and if it has not been, what plans they have to do so.

Lord Markham: It will be published in the BMJ shortly.

Cancer: Radiotherapy

Baroness Merron: To ask His Majesty's Government how many cancer patients received radiotherapy treatment within the 62-day referral to treatment target in the most recent year for which data are available.

Lord Markham: Between May 2022 and April 2023, 2,402 patients received radiotherapy treatment on the Urgent Suspected Cancer pathway within 62 days.

Health: Disadvantaged

The Lord Bishop of London: To ask His Majesty's Government what recent progress they have made towards reducing health inequalities; and what further steps they intend to take in the future.

Lord Markham: The Government is committed to improving healthy life expectancy by five years by 2035 and reducing the gap between areas where it is highest and lowest by 2030, as stated in the Levelling Up White Paper.We know that lifestyle factors such as maintaining a healthy weight, drinking in moderation, and quitting smoking are some of the best ways to tackle health disparities. We have restricted the placement of less healthy food in shops, provided the largest ever single increase in drug and alcohol treatment and recovery funding in England, and will help a million smokers across England quit by giving them a free vaping starter kit.The Government also announced on 24 January 2023 that it will publish a Major Conditions Strategy. An interim report will be published in the summer. Interventions set out in the strategy will aim to alleviate pressure on the health system, as well as support the Government’s objective to increase healthy life expectancy and reduce ill-health related labour market inactivity.

Hospital Beds

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the commitment by the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Thérèse Coffey on 22 September 2022 (HC Deb, col 830), how many of the promised 7,000 new NHS beds are now available for patients.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the commitment by the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Thérèse Coffey on 22 September 2022 (HC Deb, col 830), how many of the promised 7,000 new NHS beds are classified as virtual ward or hospital at home beds.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of the total numbers of new NHS beds have been outsourced to private healthcare providers.

Lord Markham: As of March 2023, NHS England had delivered an additional 7,820 beds or bed equivalents. Of these, 4,805 were general and acute beds and community beds, 628 were virtual ward beds and 2,387 were bed equivalents from patient flow initiatives. The additional general and acute beds delivered are beds in National Health Service hospitals.NHS England does not hold the number of outsourced beds. Systems may commission private providers for the provision of step down intermediate care capacity outside of hospital either on a spot purchase or block purchase basis.

Corticobasal Degeneration

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government how many people were diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration in (1) 2018, (2) 2019, (3) 2020, (4) 2021, and (5) 2022.

Lord Markham: The National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Services (NCARDRS) does not hold comprehensive data on corticobasal degeneration. Therefore, this this information is not available in the format requested.

Department for Business and Trade

Trade Agreements: India

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to secure a free trade agreement with India.

Lord Offord of Garvel: Round 10 of negotiations concluded on 09 June. The next round is due to take place in the coming month.Both nations have come to the table with an ambitious set of asks and a willingness to work together towards a mutually beneficial deal. We are continuing to negotiate and the Secretary of State will only sign when we have a deal that is fair, reciprocal, and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy.

Small Businesses: Takeovers

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking toprotect smaller UK firms from being taken over by foreign companies as a result of rising interest rates.

Lord Johnson of Lainston: The current merger regime delivers economic openness and drives inward investment as well as offering predictability, transparency and stability. The CMA has powers to block mergers that lead to a Substantial Lessening of Competition. Ministers also have powers to intervene in mergers that raise public interest considerations, including media plurality, financial stability and public health emergencies. The National Security and Investment Act 2021 provides powers to review and intervene in transactions with national security implications. Meanwhile, the Takeover Code protects the interests of shareholders in takeovers of publicly listed companies.

Exports and Foreign Investment in UK

Viscount Waverley: To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they are taking to encourage optimism among (1) UK exporters, and (2) inward investors into the UK.

Lord Offord of Garvel: The Department for Business and Trade has an extensive programme of business engagement which markets the UK as a place where business can invest, grow and export. 'Made in the UK, Sold to the World' highlights the demand for UK goods and services around the world, and the GREAT campaign markets the UK as a destination for investment.We are also taking proactive measures to solidify business confidence such as enacting our 12-Point Plan for exports which is transforming our support services, and hosting the Global Investment Summit in November which will promote the UK to the world’s foremost investors.

Eastern Powerhouse

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government what support they are providing to the Eastern Powerhouse to support the improvement of connectivity, infrastructure, and economic activity in the East of England.

Lord Johnson of Lainston: The Government is committed to supporting the East of England to grow and prosper.The Spring Budget reaffirmed our support for East-West Rail, building on significant investment in schemes such as the A14 and A11 upgrades. The region has been a particular focus for the devolution agenda and, in addition to those commitments, is receiving over £500m of investment from the levelling up and towns funds and benefitting from Government support for Freeport East and the Thames Freeport.

Department for Work and Pensions

Coroners: Suicide

Baroness Browning: To ask His Majesty's Government how many cases of suicide have been reported by (1) coroners, and (2) other sources, since theestablishmentof the coroner focal point in March 2016.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recorded 24 contacts related to possible suicides via its Coroner focal point since 2016. Coroners determine the cause of death, including whether it is by suicide. Coroners do not routinely inform the department when they return a conclusion of suicide in a case where the deceased person was claiming benefits. There is no requirement for them to do so, unless they have named it as an Interested Person at that inquest, or they decide to send it a Prevention of Future Deaths report. DWP becomes aware of the majority of deaths through the Tell Us Once (TUO) service. It is offered by all 391 councils across England, Scotland and Wales on behalf of DWP. This service lets citizens report a death to most government organisations in one go. Once verified, the Customer Information System (CIS), a cross-government system, is updated and DWP will take the appropriate action on a case. However, this service does not notify DWP of the cause or circumstances of a death, and DWP has no legitimate business reason to obtain or record this information.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Sports: Harassment

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with international partners about the creation of a global safe sports entity and framework for the elimination of all forms of violence, abuse and harassment against athletes.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The Government has not held any discussions with international partners about this specific suggestion, but remains committed to the aim of eliminating all forms of violence against, and abuse and harassment of, athletes. The safety, wellbeing, and welfare of everyone taking part in sport is paramount. We will continue to work with domestic and international partners to promote safe sport for all participants, for example through our engagement in international fora such as the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO.

Cabinet Office

Civil Service: Disclosure of Information

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government how many cases of whistleblowing were (1) reported, and (2) investigated, by the Civil Service in(a) 2020, (b) 2021, (c) 2022, and (d) 2023 to date.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: I refer the Noble Lord to my previous answers - HL7792 and HL8058 - provided in May 2023.

Treasury

Prudential Regulation Authority: Disclosure of Information

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government how many instances of whistleblowing there were to the Prudential Regulation Authority in each of the past four years.

Baroness Penn: I refer the Noble Lord to my answer HL8060 on 5th June.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Building Regulations: Fire Prevention

Lord Stunell: To ask His Majesty's Government what factors have led to the delay in establishing the National Regulator for Construction Products since it was announced by the Office of Product Safety and Standards on 14 January 2022; and what steps they are taking to bring about its establishment.

Lord Stunell: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to ensure that construction product standards are upheld until the National Regulator for Construction Products is established; and what assessment they have made of progress in improving those standards in line with the recommendations of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: As of April 2021, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is responsible for the regulation of construction products. The regulator is undertaking enforcement activity under the current Construction Products Regulations 2013, funded by the department. In July 2022, the department further extended existing enforcement powers, enabling OPSS to act on behalf of the Secretary of State as the national enforcement authority, overseeing compliance where there are existing designated standards.The department is also looking to lay future secondary legislation (to be made under the Building Safety Act 2022) which will give OPSS access to broader powers to intervene in the sector.To examine how the system for testing the safety of construction should be strengthened, the department commissioned an independent review into weaknesses in the existing testing regime. This report has recently been published, and the department is working with the two regulators (OPSS and HSE) to take its recommendations forward.

Church of England: Grants

Lord Scriven: To ask His Majesty's Government what grants they provided to the Church of England in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: Information on all Government grants to the Church of England is not held centrally by the department. The Government does not routinely pay the Church of England, though it may provide grants to its constituent entities or affiliated organisations via a range of funding programmes, including to deliver on some of the Government's objectives.

Department for Transport

High Speed 2 Line: Disclosure of Information

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the next six-monthly report to Parliament on HS2 will provide information about the scope of delays and relevant cost changes caused by the recent pause in the development and construction of parts of HS2.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department has now published the six-monthly report on 19 June. We are currently assessing the impact of the recent pause in the development and construction of parts of HS2, including any delays and relevant cost changes. While it is too early to provide specific details at this stage, we acknowledge the importance of transparency and accountability in reporting such information to Parliament as soon as reasonably practicable.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Artificial Intelligence: Public Sector

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the announcement by the Prime Minister on 7 June regarding plans for the UK to host the first major global summit on AI safety, what steps they are taking to ensure that the conference includes appropriate representation from civil society, academia, and those who have experienced algorithmic harm.

Viscount Camrose: The first major global summit on AI safety, hosted by the UK, will bring together key countries, as well as leading technology companies and researchers, to agree on the safety measures needed to evaluate and monitor the most significant risks emerging from the newest developments in AI technologies.Decisions are ongoing regarding preparations for the Summit. We have received interest from multiple organisations including academia and civil society and we are currently exploring how best to ensure representation from these groups and others.